Japan's nuclear power regulator lifted the operational ban on Tokyo Electric Power's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, imposed two years ago. This move enables the power company to actively pursue local permission for restarting operations.

Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) is keen on bringing the world's largest atomic power plant back online to reduce operating costs. However, resuming operations still hinges on obtaining consent from the local governments of Niigata prefecture, Kashiwazaki city, and Kariwa village, where the plant is situated.

The timing of the plant's restart remains uncertain. With a capacity of 8,212 megawatts (MW), the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant has been offline since 2012 following the Fukushima disaster, which prompted the shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan at that time.

In 2021, the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) prohibited Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) from operating Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, its sole operable atomic power station. The ban was a result of safety breaches, including the failure to adequately protect nuclear materials and lapses that allowed an unauthorized staff member to access sensitive areas of the plant.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) lifted a corrective action order that had restricted Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) from transporting new uranium fuel to the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant or loading fuel rods into its reactors, essentially impeding a potential resumption of operations. The decision was based on observed improvements in the safety management system.

In response, Tepco expressed its commitment to ongoing efforts aimed at regaining the trust of the local community and society as a whole. Simultaneously, Japan's chief cabinet secretary assured that the government would play its part in supporting the process. This development marks a potential step forward in the efforts to bring the world's largest atomic power plant back online, though the actual restart is contingent on obtaining consent from local authorities.

"The government, emphasizing 'safety-first,' will engage with Niigata prefecture and local communities to garner understanding and cooperation," stated Yoshimasa Hayashi, the government's top spokesperson, in response to the regulatory decision to lift the corrective action order on the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.

Japan, facing resource constraints, aims to revive more nuclear power plants to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG). According to the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ), LNG imports are projected to decline to 58.5 million metric tons in the 2024/25 fiscal year, factoring in expected nuclear reactor restarts and an increase in renewable energy sources.

The announcement by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) earlier this month, indicating a potential lift of the operational ban after on-site inspections and meetings with Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) leadership, led to a surge in Tepco's shares.

Image source: Reuters